Ricky Smiley discussed the effects of autism on black children with health and fitness expert Maria Moore. April is Autism Acceptance Month. Smiley spoke to more about raising her two sons with autism.
More said, autism affects a lot of parents, especially black parents. The range of severity can vary, and early detection is essential.
“Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which is the clinical definition of autism, affects the nervous system, so the severity of symptoms can vary,” Moore said.
Autism can create difficulties with communication and social interaction, and an obsessive interest in repetitive behaviors. Moore said she has observed typical autistic behavior in her two sons.
Autism is more common in boys than in girls. According to Moore, 47% of black children with autism have an intellectual disability compared to 27% of white children. Moore said that black children disproportionately face delays in diagnosis. This is a major concern, Moore said, because a late diagnosis means treatment is delayed.
Moore said she is grateful to the nursery staff who applied when her 20-year-old son was about two or three years old.
“He’d be doing things like not making eye contact. He’d be in a corner lining up toys in a certain way. That’s a repetitive behaviour. He’s showing all the signs and symptoms,” Moore said.
Moore said, like many other parents of black children with autism, she has questioned her habits as part of the cause of the disease.
“I kept thinking, ‘What did I eat? Was it the vaccinations?'” Moore said.
Moore said the goal is to focus on the present and make sure children with autism receive the support and treatment they need to be successful. She added that her 20-year-old son is a high-functioning adult due to early treatment.
“So please don’t be denied. Go talk to a doctor, get a diagnosis and start treatment and make a plan for your child as soon as possible,” Moore said.
She said there are mental and emotional adjustments that Moore and her family make daily. For example, Moore explained that it can be the way people stare when they are in public. The fitness expert said she doesn’t let the curious look bother her.
“One thing I say, Gary, I tell my kids just be yourself and let the world adjust. My 20-year-old son goes to the gym with me, and baby, he’s on that treadmill his head jumps so hard, people walk beside him, and I’m like kids making them Uncomfortable. I like to see people feel uncomfortable, not know how to act and my kids feel comfortable being themselves,” Moore said.
For people without autism, Moore said, it is essential that parents teach their children tolerance when dealing with other children with autism.
Treatment can vary, mainly because the parents receive care. The best approach for parents, Moore said, is to start with their child’s IEP, an IEP. The Intensive English Program (IEP) is used to create the best academic course for the child. Other services are available, such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, general classroom integration, and transitional services for youth.
Let’s give our children the opportunity to live a happy, fully functional life. “There is a lot of hope and a lot of resources out there,” Moore said.
To find more information about More, please visit her website at www.mariamore.com or follow her on Instagram @mariamore.
